Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb

The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is the oldest and central theatre institution in Croatia, and one of the city's most prestigious neo-Baroque buildings. Three permanent companies share the house: opera, ballet and drama. For a visitor it is both an architectural landmark and a working stage, where you can watch a performance in the same auditorium that has hosted audiences since the late 19th century.

How did Zagreb get its national theatre?

Professional theatre in Zagreb began in 1834, thanks to a private merchant, Kristofor Stankovic. The stage stood in the Upper Town, near St. Mark's Square. More companies followed: the opera was founded in 1870 and the ballet in 1876.

The turning point was the 1880 earthquake, which damaged the earlier building. The following year the Croatian parliament passed a law to build a new theatre. The commission went to the Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, specialists in theatre design. Construction started in May 1894.

When did the current building open?

The official opening took place on 14 October 1895, performed by Emperor Franz Joseph I. The inaugural production was Ivan Zajc's opera "Nikola Subic Zrinjski", and Zajc also served as the theatre's first conductor. Since then opera, ballet and drama have operated together in one house.

What do the building and interior look like?

Fellner and Helmer designed the theatre in a rich neo-Baroque style, then considered the most fitting choice for theatres. The interior features work by notable artists. The 1895 curtain, titled "The Reformation of Croatian Literature and Art", was painted by Vlaho Bukovac, one of the leading Croatian painters of the period. The Viennese painter Alexander Demetrius Goltz created the paintings on the auditorium ceiling.

Sources give different seating figures, so treat the capacity as approximate: roughly seven hundred seats.

How has the building changed over time?

In 1937 modern electrical installations meeting the safety requirements of the day were fitted. Between 1967 and 1969 the west wing was renovated. Despite later upgrades, the theatre keeps the character of a historic late 19th-century stage.

What to know before you visit

• The theatre is a working venue, with opera, ballet and drama on the programme, so the best way to see the interior is to buy a ticket for a performance.
• Check the current repertoire, ticket prices and any guided tours on the theatre's official website (hnk.hr).
• It stands in central Zagreb, on the Square of the Republic of Croatia, so it fits easily into a walk around the city centre.
• Dress slightly smarter than usual for an evening performance, as this is the national flagship stage.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb open? The current building opened on 14 October 1895, in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Who designed the building? The Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who designed many theatres across Europe.

Which companies perform there? Opera, ballet and drama. The opera dates from 1870 and the ballet from 1876.

What was performed at the opening? Ivan Zajc's opera "Nikola Subic Zrinjski".

Who painted the famous curtain? Vlaho Bukovac. The 1895 curtain is titled "The Reformation of Croatian Literature and Art".

Why was a new theatre built? The earlier building was damaged by the 1880 earthquake, and in 1881 parliament decided to build a new one.